Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo is kinetic story theater artist who blends movement, music and dramatic interpretations of Asian myths and folk tales. Known for his East-West blend of stylized storytelling, his work is influenced by the traditional performance narratives and dance theaters of Asia. He has studied traditional Gagaku, 6th Century Japanese Court music, under the tutelege of the late Suenobu Togi Sensei, and was the founder of Filipino Kulintang Gong Music movement in Northern California. With this musical background and his interest in theater, he and his wife and life partner, Nancy Wang, created a storytelling company, Eth-Noh-Tec. For the past 28 years they have served the Asian American and broader multicultural communities throughout the United States. Eth-Noh-Tec has been the recipient of Artist of the Year Award by National Young Audiences, the Circle of Excellence Award from the National Storytelling Network, and has performed for the Presidential Inaugural Celebrations of both Obama and Clinton. Their storytelling performances have been seen at the National Storytelling Festival, Jonesborough TN, Smithsonian Discovery Theater, Wolftrap VA and most recently on international festivals in Austria, Singapore, Philippines, and New Zealand.
The Minidoka Swing Band was formed to encourage youths to remember the perseverance and accomplishments of those who were interned at U.S. Internment Camps during World War II. Many of these youths have great-grandparents, grandparents and relatives who were interned during the era. By remembering the empowerment of their ancestors, it will help to discourage such acts from occurring again. Members of the band range from age 14 yrs. to 83 years.
The goal was to establish a Minidoka Swing Band to exemplify the spirit and strength which internees embodied during their period of internment. It was an era of trying to keep things as positive and upbeat as possible. The Minidoka internees held Saturday night dances and music performances-which helped them keep ife as normal as possible.
In order to have weekly dances, music classes were created to teach youth how to play Swing Band and Jazz songs. The Minidoka Swing Band will establish sessions to mromote music and perpetuate traditions of their heritage. The group perfomed at the minidoka Internment site in Twin Falls, Idaho on June 22, 2008. they represent future generations commemorating the history of the Minidoka Internment Camp.
The Minidoka Pilgrimage in 2008 enabled the Minidoka Swing Band and Unite People Youth group to visit and experience first hand a Japanese American Internment Camp. Minidoka was a barren land which internees transformed into a smooth-running community. This was possible only because of cooperation, understanding, sacrifice and selfless efforts. It taught the youths how the work of their ancestors contributed toward the community welfare.
The Minidoka Swing Band will help promote and continue faith of the the democratic principles and Civil Liberties of the United States. the youth’s community efforts and good will shall speak for their families who have endured and continue to endure a difficult period of rehabilitation that must follow the end of a war. It will provide a forum in which future generations can tell the story of their ancestors and the story of Minidoka.
Throughout the year, the Minidoka Swing Band has performed at various community events. Most recently they performed at the Tigard Library for the “Oregon Reads - 150 years” program. The book “Stubborn Twig” which was about the interment of the Hood River Yasui Family. These performances will afford the opportunity to further educate audiences about the U.S. Internment Camps.
